Maryland Gun Laws

Maryland operates as a “May Issue” state which means you’re required to show good cause for owning a handgun, and you must provide documentation to give background details for your case. Some reasons included working for a security firm or safe-guarding a business.”May Issue” policy makes obtaining a handgun permit in Maryland difficult but not impossible. Marylands constitution has no provision to protect the right of individuals to bear or keep firearms.

Maryland Gun Laws Quick Facts

Open Carry Permitted?	No
Carry In Vehicle?	No
Carry In State Park?	No
Carry In Restaurants?	Yes
Constitutional Carry?	No
No Weapon Sign Enforced?	No
Must Notify Officer?	No

Maryland CCW Reciprocity List

States Honoring Maryland CCW

States NOT Honoring Maryland CCW

Maryland Honors These States CCW Permits

Maryland doesn’t honor any other states CCW.

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Maryland: Where Is CCW Allowed?

Places Allowed

State game management areas
All areas of the state not listed as Off-Limits

Places Not Allowed

Any property belong to a Public School. The law just says “Public School” but does not indicate what type of public school.
Demonstration – you cannot be within 1000 feet of the demonstration
In legislative buildings
On any aircraft
In a lodging establishment.
Dredge boats unless it is a 10 gauge shotgun
Around or inside any public buildings or grounds owned by the state.
Chesapeake Forest Lands
In any State Forests
In State Parks
Any highway rest area owned by the state, unless the weapon is properly secured within the vehicle.
Adult rehabilitation centers
Child care centers, unless it is a small center inside a residence.
Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.

Maryland: Conceal Carry Laws

Open Carry

You will need a permit to carry a handgun either concealed or openly. Although open carry is technically legal it is not advisable in this state. You would most certainly be stopped by the police and your actions could be used as a reason to revoke your permit. The only people who openly carry in Maryland are the police or security guards.

Carry In Vehicle

Without a permit to carry it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. If you have a permit to carry then there are no restrictions on carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. 4-203 Transporting handgun

Carry In State Parks

It is illegal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: NO – Admin code 08.07.06.04 State/National Forests: NO – Admin code 08.07.01.04 State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – Nat. Res. code 10.4 Sec. 4.10.408(d) Road Side Rest Areas: NO – Admin code 11.04.07.12

Carry In Restaurants

YES

“Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.

Constitutional Carry

Maryland does not have constitutional carry.

No Weapon Signs Enforced

We have not found any laws giving gun signs the force of law. However, we advise everyone to abide by any gun sign they encounter whether they are lawful or not.

Must Notify Officer

There is no law in Maryland that states you must inform law enforcement you are carrying a firearm. However, there is a law that states you must have a valid carry permit in your possession if you carry, transport or wear a handgun. You would need to present the permit if asked by a law enforcement officer. Sec. 5-308 Possession of permit.